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Monday, December 31, 2018

2018 Alphabet Challenge Completion

2018 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge
is hosted by Lori at Escape With DollyCas Into a Good Book.
I'm not sure I actually posted to the group but I had it in mind. :-)

Summary:
As I started the year I set my goal at 2 titles per letter but was hoping to get to 4!
I just squeaked in the 2nd book for X so I met my goal.
I did get 4 books read for eight letters and 3 books for fifteen letters.
I only read two books for the letters J, X and Y.
I read a total of 83 books toward this challenge.
Audio TBR titles: Completed 26
NetGalley: Completed 25 titles: 20 TBR and 5 2018
ebook TBR titles: Completed only 9
2018 titles other than NetGalley: Completed 23: 18 audio, 4 ebooks and 1 print.

The reading pattern clearly shows I need to work on my eBook TBRs so I am going to make sure I read those better in 2019.

My Stated Goal:
For the Challenge My Goal is to read 2 books per letter: First a TBR Audio and Second a TBR eBook or print book.
As a bonus I hope to read a NetGalley title for each letter.
I also have 21 NetGalley titles slated that are TBR and a handful that have been received the first weeks of 2018 so will not be TBRs.
The fourth book is to be a 2018 book either purchased or free.
 
A ATBR- Across the Nightingale Floor, Tales of the Otori, Book One by Lian Hearn (2012)
eNGTBR17- All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai
eTBR-
2018(A)- Aspire by Kevin Hall

B ATBR- Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3 by H. Paul Honsinger (2016)
eNGTBR17- Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz
eTBR- Blackstone by Richard Falkirk (2012)
2018(A)- Beneath the Skin The Sam Hunter Case Files By Jonathan Maberry

C ATBR- The Cold, Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty (2015)
eNGTBR17- Consent of the Governed by Bernard LoPinto
eTBR- Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance) by Christina Skye (2012)
2018(A)- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

D ATBR- Dead Ever After, A Sookie Stackhouse Novel, Book 13, by Charlaine Harris (2015)
eNGTBR17- The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert
eTBR-
2018(A)- The Dispatcher by John Scalzi

E ATBR- The Emerald Atlas, Books of Beginning by John Stephens (2013)
eNGTBR17- The Edge of Memory by Maura Beth Brennan
eTBR (LBC)- The Evidence (The Mars Hill Classified Series) by Austin W. Boyd (2016 print)
2018(A)(AR)- The Earth Bleeds Red by Jackson Baer

F ATBR- Fledgling by Nicole Conway (2017)
eNGTBR17- The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip
eTBR-
2018(R)- The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern

G ATBR- Golden Son, Red Rising Trilogy, Book II, by Pierce Brown (2017)
eNGTBR17- A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman
eTBR-
2018(A)- The Ghost and the Graveyard (Knight Games, #1) by Genevieve Jack

H ATBR- Hell Divers, The Hell Divers Series, Book 1, by Nicholas Sansbury Smith (2017)
eNGTBR17- The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner
eTBR(AR)- Hearts Under Fire by Antonio Scotto di Carlo (2017)
2018(A)(AR)- Hunting in Bruges by E.J. Stevens

I ATBR- If I Run by Terri Blackstock (2017)
eNGTBR17- In Wolves' Clothing by Greg Levin
eTBR- Island Ghosts: A Will Castleon Adventure by David Bain (2012)
2018 (A)- Island by Aldous Huxley (Vintage)

J ATBR- Joshua by John S. Wilson (2013)
eNG(2018)- Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer by Ed Ryder
eTBR-
2018-

K ATBR- Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2 by Stephen W. Bennett (2017)
eNG(2018)- Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman
eTBR-
2018(A)- Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima

L ATBR Lords of Space by Michael Wallace 2017
eNGTBR17- Let There Be Light by Dan Gordon and Sam Sorbo
eTBR- Lilah’s Ghost by Deb Logan (2011)
2018(A)- The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown

M ATBR- The Mysterious Howling, Book 1 by Maryrose Wood (SYNC 2013)
eNGTBR17- Mind Game: A Novel (Eve Duncan) by Iris Johansen
eTBR- Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert (2016 print)
2018(AR)- Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin

N ATBR- The Never Hero by T. Ellery Hodges (2015)
eNG(2018)- Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida
eTBR-
2018(AR)- A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella by Christina George

O ATBR One Year After by William R. Forstchen (2016)
eNG(2018)- Out of the Box by Jemma Westing
eTBR
2018(LBC)- One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon

P ATBR- Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb (2016)
eNGTBR17- Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2) by Joyce and Alexandra Swann
eTBR-
2018(A)(AR)- The Painter of Time by Matthew S O'Connell

Q ATBR Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell (2016)
eNGTBR17- Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent) by A B Endacott
eTBR-
2018(A)- The Quest for Cosmic Justice by Thomas Sowell

R ATBR- The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (SYNC 2013)
eNGTBR17- Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black
eTBR-
2018(A)(AR)- River Rising, Carson Chronicles, Book 1, by John A. Heldt

S ATBR- Storm Front: The Dresden Files, Book 1 by Jim Butcher (2012)
eNGTBR17- Science Geek Sam and his Secret Logbook by Cees Dekker and Corien Oranje
eTBR-
2018(A)- Start With Why by Simon Sinek

T ATBR Time for the Stars by Robert A. Heinlein (2016 Vintage)
eNGTBR17- Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1) by Amanda Greenslade
eTBR-
2018(R)- Tribal Affairs by Matt Dallmann

U ATBR- Ubik by Philip K. Dick (2017 Vintage)
eNG(2018)- Unwritten by Tara Gilboy
eTBR-
2018(A)- An Uncommon Protector (Lone Star Hero, #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

V ATBR- The Vanished Man: A Lincoln Rhyme Novel by Jeffery Deaver (2004)
eNGTBR17- The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman
eTBR-
2018(A)- Villains Rule (The Shadow Master Book 1) by M. K. Gibson

W ATBR- Warship by Joshua Dalzelle (2016)
eNGTBR17- What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner
pTBR- When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall (2017)
2018 (A)- The Watchmaker's Daughter by C. J. Archer

X ATBR- Xenos: Warhammer 40,000, Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett (2017)
eNG-
eTBR- Xoe: Vampires, and Werewolves, and Demons, oh my! (Xoe Meyers Young Adult Fantasy/Horror Series Book 1) by Sara C. Roethle (2014)
2018-

Y ATBR Year One by Nora Roberts (2017)
eNGTBR17- The Year of the Knife by G.D. Penman
eTBR-
2018-

Z ATBR Zombie Fallout, Book 1, by Mark Tufo (2016)
eNGTBR17- Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes from Inspirational Folks by Gavin Aung Than
eTBR-
2018(A)- Zoe's Tale (Old Man's War, #4) by John Scalzi

2018 NetGalley Reading Challenge Completion

http://bookishthingsandmore.com/2017/12/2018-netgalley-edelweiss-reading-challenge-sign.html

The fifth annual Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge was initially hosted by Bookish Things & More. The site has apparently closed.
The levels offered were:
Bronze – 10 Books
Silver – 25 Books
Gold – 50 Books
Platinum – 75 Books
Diamond – 100 Books

I just made my goal of Gold in 2017 with 51 NetGalley books read and reviewed. I decided to try Gold level again this year. However, I had it in my mind that my goal was 40. I was doing just fine with that until I started to set up this post and realized the goal was actually 50.
COMPLETED! I did a sprint reading the last 7 days to reach 50!
    JANUARY 2018
  1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner; Christian Living, Inspirational, Religion & Spirituality; my rating 4.5.
  2. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2) by Joyce and Alexandra Swann; Christian, Inspirational, Holiday; my rating 4.25.
  3. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; Action/Adventure, Christian, Fantasy; my rating 4.75.
  4. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman; Cozy Mystery, Historical; my rating 4.5.
  5. FEBRUARY 2018
  6. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
  7. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai; Alternate History, Sci Fi, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
  8. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert; Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.0.
  9. March 2018
  10. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip; Fantasy, Magical, Romance; my rating 4.75.
  11. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: If I Live by Terri Blackstock; Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  12. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Fade to Black by David Rosenfelt; Crime Thriller, Police Procedures; my rating 4.0.
  13. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Consent of the Governed by Bernard LoPinto; Dystopian, Political; my rating 4.0.
  14. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: In Wolves' Clothing by Greg Levin; Crime Fiction, Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  15. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: The Edge of Memory by Maura Beth Brennan; Drama, Psychological Thriller, Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  16. APRIL 2018
  17. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: Mind Game: A Novel (Eve Duncan) by Iris Johansen; Crime, Thriller, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.0.
  18. 2018NG- #NetGalley Book Review: Out of the Box by Jemma Westing; Children, Crafts; my rating 4.5.
  19. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Let There Be Light by Dan Gordon and Sam Sorbo; Christian, Inspirational; my rating 4.0.
  20. MAY 2018
  21. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner; Colonization, Sci Fi, Space; my rating 4.0.
  22. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida; Adventure, Clockwork, Middle Grade, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  23. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Lock 'N' Load (Federal K-9) by Tee O'Fallon; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  24. JUNE 2018
  25. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent) by A B Endacott; Fantasy, Historical, New Adult; my rating 4.25.
  26. #NetGalley Book Review: The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman; Crime, Psychological Thrillers; my rating 4.5.
  27. JULY 2018
  28. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The After War by Brandon Zenner; Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  29. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Year of the Knife by G.D. Penman; Alternate History, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy; my Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  30. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes from Inspirational Folks by Gavin Aung Than; Cartoon, Comic Strip, Self-Help; my rating 4.0.
  31. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Science Geek Sam and his Secret Logbook by Cees Dekker and Corien Oranje; Children, Creation Theories; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  32. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1) by Amanda Greenslade; Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  33. AUGUST 2018
  34. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer by Ed Ryder; Noir, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  35. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1) by Dana Marton; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
  36. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles; Children, Dogs, Pets; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  37. SEPTEMBER 2018
  38. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  39. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: The Rancher's Gift by Dennis Worden and Jeff Dunn; Christian, Inspirational, Religion; my rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
  40. OCTOBER 2018
  41. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Once Upon A Heartbreak by Cassie Rocca; Contemporary Romance, Second Chance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  42. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Unwritten by Tara Gilboy; Children's Books, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
  43. NOVEMBER 2018
  44. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: For Us Humans by Steve Rzasa; Aliens, Christian, Futuristic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  45. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Light’s Dawn: A Novella (Light in the Darkness) by Yvette Bostic; Alternate History, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  46. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman; Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  47. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Somewhere The Bells Ring (Somewhere in Time Book 3) by Beth Trissel; Ghosts, Holidays, Paranormal, Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
  48. DECEMBER 2018
  49. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff by Dana K. White; Cleaning, Hoarding, How To; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  50. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: A Chance at Christmas by Beppie Harrison; Christmas, Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, Regency; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
  51. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance, Holiday, Regency; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  52. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Patience for Christmas: A Holiday Novella; Historical Romance, Holiday, Regency; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  53. NG2018 and A2018- #NetGalley and Audible Book Review: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones; Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigator; My Rating: 4.5 Overall; 4.25 Story; 5.0 Narration.
  54. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: 101 Chicken Keeping Hacks from Fresh Eggs Daily: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for You and your Hen by Lisa Steele; Animal Husbandry, DIY, Nonfiction, Reference; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  55. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Slay Bells: A Christmas Village Mystery by T.C. Wescott; Christmas, Cozy Mystery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  56. NG2018- A Book Without Dragons by Olivia Berrier.
  57. NG2018- Blind Betrayal by Nancy Mehl.
  58. NG2018- The Cat in the Christmas Tree: A Magical Tail by Peter Scottsdale.
  59. NG2018- When Spring Comes to the DMZ 
  60. NG2018- Fury
  61. NG2018- Owl Love You by Matthew Heroux, Wednesday Kirwan (Illustrations)

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Sunday Post December 30, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 31, 2018

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).
What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.


Staff was off for the week but I went in and checked mail and phone calls most days. I get one more day of partial work tomorrow before we celebrate New Years and then return to normal work.

We had a lovely Christmas visit in the morning by video chat with our son's family in Illinois and lunch with our daughter's family in Panama City Beach.
My birthday (12/27) was spent quietly with my hubby. I happily received several Amazon gift cards so I am looking forward to some book purchases.

The tarp at the office is keeping out most, if not all, of the rain. I haven't been in to see the lobby while it has rained but there is evidence of wetness still coming in. :-(
We are expecting a third inspection by the insurance company so they can approve the next step of clean-up.

My listening and reading was prodigious this week. I figured out I can use the Kindle if I keep it plugged into a battery pack. I finished 9 books: three audio books and six ebooks. I posted seven reviews on blog, my usual memes and a couple of holiday posts.

I only visited 15 blogs last week as visiting took back seat to holiday activities.
Shout Out this week to That's What I'm Talking About. Jen and a team of reviewers share book reviews and book talk.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • ATBR- Audio Book Review: 'Tis the Season (Main Street #3) by Ann M. Martin; Family Life, Holiday, Middle Grade, Tween; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0, Overall, Story and Narration.
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn; Biographical, Folklore, Memoir; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Narration.
  • NG2018 and A2018- #NetGalley and Audible Book Review: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones; Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigator; My Rating: 4.5 Overall; 4.25 Story; 5.0 Narration.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2018)
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave audiobook cover art


The Trouble with Twelfth Grave
A Novel
By: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
This was a good entry in the series.
My review is linked above.
Source(s) NetGalley 2018 and Audible Sale Purchase November 2018.
Click on book title for full description.



2. ADE/PC (NG2018)


101 Chicken Keeping Hacks from Fresh Eggs Daily:
Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for You and your Hen
by Lisa Steele
This was fun with some good images and tips.

My review is linked above.
Source: 2018 NetGalley.

Click on book title for full description.



3. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)
Slay Bells (A Christmas Village Mystery Book 1) by [Wescott, T.C.]


Slay Bells: A Christmas Village Mystery
by T.C. Wescott
This is a good cozy mystery.
My review is linked above.
 Source: 2018 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.



4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)


Escape from the Overworld: A Minecraft Gamer's Quest: An Unofficial Minecrafter's Adventure
by Davidson, Danica 
This was a quick fun listen.
My review is linked above.
Source: 2018 Audible Sale purchase.
From the publisher of The Quest of the Diamond Sword and Battle of the Nether comes a new novel for Minecrafters which takes on a spellbinding battle that brings Stevie and zombie mobs into the real world!

Stevie is in for a big surprise while building his treehouse: he’s first attacked by a creeper, and then must take on a group of zombies! The near miss has him feeling like the worst mob fighter in Minecraft, so when he finds a portal into a brand-new world, he’s willing to take his chances.

He steps out of a computer screen and into the room of a sixth-grade girl Maison, who’s a talented builder. Stevie is shocked by how different this world is, and Maison takes him under her wing. But soon the two friends learn zombies have also made their way out of the portal!

More and more creatures are slipping out by the second, wreaking havoc on a world that has no idea how to handle zombies, creepers, giant spiders, and the like. Stevie and Maison must put their heads together and use their combined talents in order to push the zombies back into Minecraft, where they belong. As Stevie and Maison’s worlds become more combined, their adventure becomes intense and even more frightening than they could have ever imagined.



5. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)


A Book Without Dragons
by Berrier, Olivia
I really liked this unusual story.
Source: 2018 NetGalley.
This book contains no dragons. It does, however, contain individuals who Willow Ayers believes would benefit from the addition of some magical creatures. A broken marriage, a failed career, an abusive home: the people around Willow are trapped inside problems so isolating they can only be expressed by constantly changing tenses and writing styles. It is not the sort of book Willow would read; he prefers fantasy novels with consistent styles and happy endings.

But this is not a fantasy book, and Willow’s idea to bring about his own ‘happily ever after’ is crumbling. Decades ago, he saw the way humanity relied on so many flawed systems—Internet, GPS, cell phones, electronic banking—and created Unitime, the perfect system to unite all systems. Now his Satellites are malfunctioning, and what seemed an innocent glitch in technology might prove to be something darker, something infinitely more dangerous.

Even so, Willow believes people can overcome such things, even though it seems as unlikely as a book that starts in five different writing styles, but ends in just one.



6. eBook/Kindle (eBTBR)


Xoe: Vampires, and Werewolves, and Demons, oh my! (Xoe Meyers Young Adult Fantasy/Horror Series Book 1)
by Sara C. Roethle
I grabbed this book for "X to finish my Alphabet Challenge.
Source: Free Kindle TBR 2014.
A demon’s life is never easy…
Xoe has a problem. Scratch that, she has many problems. Her best friend Lucy is romantically involved with a psychotic werewolf. Her father might be a demon. Her possible love interest is a vampire.
Everything spirals out of control as Xoe is drawn deeper into the secrets of the paranormal community. Secrets she could never have imagined. Unfortunately, her sharp tongue and quick wit won’t be enough to save Lucy’s life, and Xoe will have to embrace her fiery powers to burn her enemies, before her whole world goes up in flames.



7. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)


Blind Betrayal (Defenders of Justice Book #3)
by Nancy Mehl
I enjoyed this suspense.
Source: 2018 NetGalley.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Casey Sloane has worked at the St. Louis Marshals office for two years and is given a routine assignment to help transport a reporter to D.C. to testify before a grand jury. Valerie, the reporter, was writing a story about an up-and-coming environmentalist who suddenly disappeared and, she later discovered, whose backers purportedly have ties to a terrorist.
When the seemingly ordinary assignment suddenly takes a shocking turn, Casey is forced to put aside her own feelings about the unexpected reappearance of a man from her past as she and two other Marshals take Valerie on the run. And as it becomes dangerously clear Valerie's testimony has even bigger implications than they knew, they'll do whatever it takes to make it out alive.



8. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)  mediumspringgreen 


The Cat in the Christmas Tree: A Magical Tail
by Peter Scottsdale
This looked really cute and I was making a last desperate effort to complete my NetGalley Challenge.
Source: 2018 NetGalley.
From Bestselling Author Peter Scottsdale Comes His First Children's Chapter Book For Ages 8 and Up
It’s Christmas Eve and Nathan’s cat is wrecking the holidays by destroying the Christmas tree. Fed up with Shadow’s antics, Dad wants the kitty out of the house – for good! So Nathan pleads for help in hope the magic of the holidays will allow him to keep his cat. In this enchanting tale (or should it be “tail?”), does Shadow change his misbehaving ways or will he ruin Christmas? Find out!



9. Audible/MP3(A2018)



Storm Glass
(Harbinger, Book 1)
By: Jeff Wheeler
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
Series: The Harbinger Series, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
I found this engaging.
Source: 2018 Audible Free title.
Click on book title for full description.



Currently Reading:
I am making a last ditch effort to meet my NetGalley Goal. I may still fall one or two short.
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)


Fury: An Urban Fantasy & Mystery (The Fae Awakening Book 1)
by Will O'Shire
This fantasy caught my attention and is short enough to read for NetGalley before end of year.
Source: 2018 NetGalley.
Indebted to the Fae council, Hunter investigates crimes committed by Fae beings against humanity, as required by a treaty between the human and Fae worlds. Hunter is secretly building out a large retirement fund by operating an illicit business on the side.
When Hunter returns from a botched theft overseas, he finds out his business partner, George, has taken on a job from an untrustworthy leprechaun. His team must work together to find a monstrous unicorn, covered in a black moving liquid and surrounded by flames, who has destroyed the site of a new energy project and killed several humans, leaving empty holes in their chests.
Along the way, Hunter will have to take on the protection of two young men, Brad and Andy, who have no idea the Fae world exists. They'll follow Hunter rather than risk being alone, meeting many friends, and many enemies they thought only existed in fairy tales.



2. ADE/PC (NG2018)


When Spring Comes to the DMZ
by Uk-Bae Lee (Author, Illustrator)
Both the title and cover pulled me in for this book. I like the idea of finding something positive in a war torn area.
Source: 2018 NetGalley.
Korea’s demilitarized zone has become an amazing accidental nature preserve that gives hope for a brighter future for a divided land.

This unique picture book invites young readers into the natural beauty of the DMZ, where salmon, spotted seals, and mountain goats freely follow the seasons and raise their families in this 2.5-mile-wide, 150-mile-long corridor where no human may tread. But the vivid seasonal flora and fauna are framed by ever-present rusty razor wire, warning signs, and locked gates―and regularly interrupted by military exercises that continue decades after a 1953 ceasefire in the Korean War established the DMZ.

Creator Uk-Bae Lee’s lively paintings juxtapose these realities, planting in children the dream of a peaceful world without war and barriers, where separated families meet again and live together happily in harmony with their environment. Lee shows the DMZ through the eyes of a grandfather who returns each year to look out over his beloved former lands, waiting for the day when he can return. In a surprise foldout panorama at the end of the book the grandfather, tired of waiting, dreams of taking his grandson by the hand, flinging back the locked gates, and walking again on the land he loves to find his long-lost friends.

When Spring Comes to the DMZ helps introduce children to the unfinished history of the Korean Peninsula playing out on the nightly news, and may well spark discussions about other walls, from Texas to Gaza.



3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)



The More of Less
By: Joshua Becker
Narrated by: Joshua Becker
Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
I thought I would listen to this while I am still in a decluttering mood as I enter a new year.
Source: January 2017 Audible Daily Deal $2.95
Publisher's Summary
Most of us know we own too much stuff. We feel the weight and burden of our clutter, and we tire of cleaning and managing and organizing. While excess consumption leads to bigger houses, faster cars, fancier technology, and cluttered homes, it never brings happiness. Rather, it results in a desire for more. It redirects our greatest passions to things that can never fulfill, and it distracts us from the very lives we wish we were living. But it doesn't have to be this way.
In The More of Less, Joshua Becker helps you:
Recognize the life-giving benefits of owning less
Realize how all the stuff you own is keeping you from pursuing your dreams
Craft a personal, practical approach to decluttering your home and life
Experience the joys of generosity
Learn why the best part of minimalism isn't a clean house; it's a full life
It's time to own your possessions instead of letting them own you. After all, the beauty of minimalism isn't in what it takes away. It's in what it gives.
©2016 Becoming Minimalist LLC (P)2016 Tantor



4. eBook/Kindle (eBTBR)


The Prayer of Jesus
by Kevin Jackson
This is my First Read of 2019 title.

Source: 2014 Kindle TBR.
The Bible contains over three hundred references to prayer, and yet, eighty-five percent of believers are dissatisfied with their prayer lives. In The Prayer of Jesus, pastor, teacher, and author Kevin Jackson bridges the gap between the responsibility of prayer and the dissatisfaction we experience in prayer. He explains and applies the simple model for prayer which Jesus taught His original disciples. If you want to have a better, more consistent prayer life, then The Prayer of Jesus is the book for you.


December 30, 2018 - I have only one more day to finish the One Year Bible plan reading through You Version App.
I enjoyed the 10 day reading plan for Christmas: Our Daily Bread Christmas: Gift of Grace which I finished on Christmas day.
I also did a four day reading plan on Demonstrating God's Love in Business.
[You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]


I completed nine books and posted seven reviews. That leaves 5 current reviews to post.
I am slowly adding reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I still have older ones to catch up on too.
I added more NetGalley titles, some to try to meet my 2018 Challenge and some for 2019. My shelf is currently at 7 unread. I will probably add more tomorrow.   I now have four author titles in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.



Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I added six book titles from NetGalley.
I picked up two Audible daily deals and two December Audible Credits.
I didn't pick up any Kindle paid titles.
I only picked up 5 free kindle titles again. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?


Review Titles
These are six (6) titles I picked up at NetGalley:
The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin
"Perfect for fans of classic whodunits by authors like Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, TE Kinsey, and J.R. Ellis."
Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang
"Rookie bookstore owner Shelby Cox must hit the books to learn the ropes before she loses a killer in the stacks."
Fury by Will O'Shire
"Indebted to the Fae council, Hunter investigates crimes committed by Fae beings against humanity, as required by a treaty between the human and Fae worlds."

The Book of Ruin by W.G Hladky
"The sun turns volatile, battering earth with endless solar storms. "
The Cat in the Christmas Tree by Peter Scottsdale
"... Nathan pleads for help in hope the magic of the holidays will allow him to keep his cat. In this enchanting tale (or should it be “tail?”)..."
When Spring Comes to the DMZ by Uk-Bae Lee
"When Spring Comes to the DMZ helps introduce children to the unfinished history of the Korean Peninsula playing out on the nightly news, and may well spark discussions about other walls, from Texas to Gaza."


Won
NONE

Purchased
I purchased two Daily Deal titles 12/27/18 for $3.95
Their Lost Daughters audiobook cover artTheir Lost Daughters
A Jackman and Evans Thriller
By: Joy Ellis
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 06-14-18

12/30/2018 Daily Deal $4.95
Memory Man audiobook cover artMemory Man
By: David Baldacci
Narrated by: Ron McLarty, Orlagh Cassidy
Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 04-21-15


12/29/18 I picked up my Two December Credits:
Dead Girl Running audiobook cover artDead Girl Running
Cape Charade
By: Christina Dodd
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson
Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
Release date: 04-24-18
This is an author I collected until about 2012. I decided to get her latest series.

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband audiobook cover artThe Girl with the Make-Believe Husband
A Bridgertons Prequel
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 05-30-17
I am thinking I'll be ready for a historical romance soon.

Free
Second December Audible Original Pick:
Christmas Eve, 1914 audiobook cover artChristmas Eve, 1914
By: Charles Olivier
Narrated by: Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, Cody Fern, Damon Herriman, James Scott, John Beck, Lance Guest, Gabe Greenspan, Nate Jones
Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
Release date: 12-16-14

I only added 5 free titles to my Kindle library over the past week. I didn't spend much time adding free books this week.  Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

MBS First Book Of The Year 2019: The Prayer of Jesus by Kevin Jackson

2019

First Book Of The Year 2019. This is the sixth year First Book of the Year has been hosted by Shelia (Book Journey).

Over the prior five years I chose three books that fit with my Christian faith and I decided to stay with that goal this year. (One year was self-help and one was Vintage Sci Fi.)  I also chose a book from my TBR shelf (Kindle from 2014).


The Prayer of Jesus
by Kevin Jackson

The Bible contains over three hundred references to prayer, and yet, eighty-five percent of believers are dissatisfied with their prayer lives. In The Prayer of Jesus, pastor, teacher, and author Kevin Jackson bridges the gap between the responsibility of prayer and the dissatisfaction we experience in prayer. He explains and applies the simple model for prayer which Jesus taught His original disciples. If you want to have a better, more consistent prayer life, then The Prayer of Jesus is the book for you.

My photo for First Read:

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 30, 2018

Our Sunday School teacher continued the lessons in 1 Corinthians Chapter 7 where Paul addresses marriage and divorce. He also noted Malachi 2:15-16 where it states that God hates divorce and wants Godly children from marriage. There was some discussion about the difficulties of divorce and its impact on children. It was noted that there are times that divorce is favorable to take a child away from a very abusive situation, so they can be raised in a Godly manner.

We enjoyed praise and worship in service before Pastor’s end of the year sermon. He noted that most of us seek to start a new year with a new plan; to make or do things better. He encouraged us to look back, even at the hard parts of 2018, and celebrate what God has brought us through.
He stated that true thankfulness can bring a fresh attitude for the new year.

He asked: “What does God say about thankfulness.” The old testament is full of ritual systems for celebration and giving thanks. Often readers of the Bible stories can draw a line from unthankfulness to sin.

Thankfulness is a key ingredient to an obedient, worshipful heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 admonishes the believers to always be thankful.

Point A thankful life is the only way of life for the healthy Christ-follower.

The Psalms are full of praise and thanksgiving.

Thankfulness pours out of healthy Christ followers.
Thankfulness shrinks the parts of us identified as the flesh. We are not to love worldly things but to do the will of God. 1John 2:15-17.
Thankfulness reduces our tendency to feel entitlement.
Thankfulness reduces our lust for what the world offers.
Thankfulness raises the value of what we already have, and Who it came from.
Thankfulness puts us in our right place and God in His right place.

God gives everything to us, including our very breath! Shouldn’t we use that breath and life to give Him thanks?

Nothing does more to express our thankful attitude than bringing the tithe as directed by God.
God gave us the ultimate gift in the sacrifice of His son.
We always have all we need to be thankful, if we focus on Christ’s gift.

2018 brought unexpected, unplanned events into our lives. Still, we can exercise thankfulness.
Pastor challenged us to consider Psalm 136 then make a point today to think of three specific things to be thankful for, beyond the obvious of life and family.

I was ready to post a different praise song but this one tugged on me.
Perhaps someone who reads this post needs to remember this song.
Praise You in This Storm.
Verses for Today:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 136:1 and 26
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.


26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

One of my selections for thankfulness today: I give thanks for the assurance and peace in my soul when I remember that God is in Control!

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Saturday, December 29, 2018

Sharing Beyond Books #359 Comment Giveaway December 29, 2018

Hello again and Welcome back to the last Sharing Beyond Books, SBB, of 2018.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Nine commenters say "no" to FB and 5 more say it is not necessary to follow on FB but 3 of those find advantages to following on FB, One finds it a good idea, while four are following favorite authors on FB. Several prefer newsletters and some like to follow on instagram (see cute kitty pics) and on twitter.

The Winner from SBB #358 comments is: #11 MaryP who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #359
(One Question.)

MaryP asks: Do you have a favorite childhood book that you have re-read as an adult??
I don't often re-read (except when reading with the grandchildren). However I do have some childhood books (before age 10) that come to mind for re-reading. These will age me because they are books popular in the 1950s. These include: Black Beauty; Smokey, a Cow Horse; Charlotte's Web; Aesop's Fables; The Little Prince; The Just So Stories and Winnie the Pooh.
[Perhaps another day we can share books we read ages 10-18; and then books read in college.]

Illustration at Cover of Just So Stories (c1912).jpg
Image found at Wikipedia.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.
Credit for questions shared in December go to NIKKI, MIKI and MARYP. Thank you.

Your turn to share. MaryP asks: Do you have a favorite childhood book that you have re-read as an adult??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday January 12, 2019 at 5 PM central.

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